Container shipping is the backbone of modern global trade. Standardizing cargo handling and transportation boosts efficiency lowers logistics costs, and reinforces the resilience of global supply chains.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, trade between China and Egypt—two nations with rich histories—is expanding steadily. Container vessels regularly travel between China’s major coastal ports and key Egyptian hubs like Alexandria and Suez, highlighting the strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of container shipping from China to Egypt, including typical costs for both 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Whether you’re a business or an individual shipper, this guide will help you plan for efficient and cost-effective delivery.
Container options for shipping from China to the Egypt
The most common standard dry container types include:
- 20ft container: has an internal capacity of about 28 – 30 cubic meters.
- 40ft container: has an internal capacity of about 58 – 60 cubic meters.
- 40HQ: This container is about 1 foot taller than a 40ft and holds around 68 – 70 cubic meters, making it ideal for bulky but lightweight goods.
| Container Type | External Dimensions (L×W×H) | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Volume | Max Payload | Tare Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 28-30 m³ | 24,000 kg | 2,300 kg |
| 40GP | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 58-60m³ | 30,480 kg | 3,700 kg |
| 40HQ | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.89 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.69 m | 68-70 m³ | 30,480 kg | 4,100 kg |
- Other special container types include reefers (refrigerated containers) for transporting goods that require temperature control, open-top containers for extremely high goods, and flat rack containers for oversized or heavy goods.
Steps for Shipping Goods from China to Egypt
- Choose the Right Mode of Transport: Select sea freight, rail freight, or air freight based on the nature, volume, weight, urgency, and budget of the shipment.
- Prepare Required Shipping Documents: Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (for sea or rail), air waybill (for air freight), certificate of origin, export licenses, and other documents required by Egypt customs.
- Proper Packaging: Pack goods appropriately based on their characteristics and the chosen transport method to prevent damage in transit. Follow international packaging standards for shipping.
- Work with a Freight Forwarder: Partner with an experienced freight forwarder to handle transportation, documentation, and customs procedures. They can offer tailored logistics solutions and expert advice.
- Customs Clearance in Egypt: Upon arrival, Egypt customs authorities will inspect the goods and documents to ensure compliance with Egypt import regulations and product standards.
- Pay Duties and Taxes: Import duties and value-added tax (VAT) must be paid based on the declared value and classification of the goods.
- Final Delivery: Once customs clearance is complete, the freight forwarder or logistics provider will arrange final delivery to the consignee’s specified address. The consignee signs for the goods to confirm receipt and complete the process.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Egypt
Full Container Load (FCL) is the most common way to transport large quantities of goods from China to Egypt, using standard 20ft (20GP), 40ft (40GP) or 40ft high-cube (40HC) containers.
When it comes to transportation costs, it’s important to note that ocean freight rates for containers are highly volatile and don’t follow a fixed standard. As of April 15, 2025, market prices may differ significantly from what they were just a few weeks ago — and could shift again shortly.
Several key factors influence these price fluctuations:
- Market Supply and Demand: Rates often rise during peak shipping seasons, such as the weeks leading up to major holidays.
- Shipping Line Pricing Strategies: Each carrier sets its rates and service levels, leading to significant differences.
- Port of Origin and Destination: Costs can vary depending on which Chinese port the goods are shipped from (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao) to Mombasa, Egypt.
- Fuel Costs: Fuel surcharges (BAF/FAF) are tied to global oil prices and can change frequently.
- Additional Surcharges: These may include a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS), a Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS), a Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF), and others.
- Booking Timing: Booking early typically results in more favourable rates.
Below are the typical cost ranges for shipping from major ports in China to Egypt:
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Alexandria | $2550-$3150 | $3500-$4200 |
| Shenzhen | Alexandria | $2500-$2900 | $3450-$4150 |
| Qingdao | Alexandria | $2650-$3050 | $3350-$4250 |
| Ningbo | Alexandria | $2600-$3150 | $3450-$4350 |
| Shanghai | Said | $2650-$2850 | $3550-$4300 |
| Shenzhen | Said | $2600-$2800 | $3300-$4200 |
| Qingdao | Said | $2850-$2800 | $3550-$4200 |
| Ningbo | Said | $2800-$2850 | $3450-$4250 |
| Shanghai | Damietta | $2450-$2850 | $3350-$4250 |
| Shenzhen | Damietta | $2650-$2950 | $3450-$4300 |
| Qingdao | Damietta | $2500-$2900 | $3500-$4250 |
| Ningbo | Damietta | $2600-$2850 | $3550-$4200 |
Read below for container shipping costs to other countries to help you understand more:
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Kenya
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to USA
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Turkey
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Nigeria
Why Container Shipping Matters for China–Egypt Trade
- Egypt occupies a highly strategic geographic position, with the Suez Canal serving as one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes. In this context, container shipping plays a vital role in facilitating trade between China and Egypt.
- Egypt’s well-developed port infrastructure—closely integrated with global maritime transport networks—makes it a key node in international shipping. Containerized transport takes full advantage of these facilities, enabling smoother, more efficient cargo handling.
- Moreover, container shipping improves both the efficiency and safety of goods in transit, helping to boost trade volumes and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Best Practices for Efficient Container Shipping from China to Egypt
- Route Optimization: Evaluate different shipping routes based on transit time and cost to identify the most efficient and cost-effective path.
- Multimodal Transportation: Leverage a combination of sea, rail, and road transport to streamline logistics and improve delivery efficiency through seamless integration.
- Data-driven decision-making: Use big data and analytics to optimize routes, forecast potential delays, and proactively manage transportation risks.
- Partner Selection: Work with reliable and experienced partners—freight forwarders, shipping lines, and port operators—to ensure stable, long-term cooperation that drives mutual success.
- Supply Chain Coordination: Strengthen collaboration and information sharing with suppliers and customers to improve visibility and efficiency across the supply chain.
- Risk Assessment and Management: Evaluate potential risks such as adverse weather, political instability, or economic shifts. Develop contingency plans to minimize disruptions.
- Insurance Coverage: Secure appropriate cargo insurance to protect against potential losses during transport.
- Compliance with Trade Regulations: Understand customs procedures and trade regulations in both China and Egypt to avoid delays or penalties during clearance.
- Monitor Trade Policies: Stay updated on tariffs, import restrictions, and preferential trade agreements to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities and ensure compliance.
